What's the best diet for good health? It seems too good to be true, but actually it's one with great classic dishes like tabbouleh and bouillabaisse . pasta, risotto, and couscous . fassoulia, ratatouille, gazpacho . the savory flavors of spices and garlic . fresh, zesty herbs and chilis . crusty breads, succulent olives, wine, and LDL cholesterol-reducing olive oil. The evidence is backed up by the scientific papers presented at the landmark 1993 International Conference on Diets of the Mediterranean co-sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health and Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust. Featuring plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes, breads, fish, and small amounts of very lean meats, the Mediterranean diet has been praised by nutrition experts as the most realistic alternative for health-conscious Americans who want a great-tasting, satisfying way of eating that can become a way of life.

For over twenty-five years food writer Nancy Harmon Jenkins has lived, worked, and raised a family in the warm, sunny countries of the Mediterranean: Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Lebanon, Cyprus, and North Africa. Now she has collected the very best dishes from these regional cuisines and adapted them for American kitchens. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, or just preparing a healthy, savory supper to enjoy on your own, you'll find inspiration in hearty salads like Tuscan panzanella and Lebanese fattoush. Sure to be family favorites are the region's many variations of delectable dinner pies-fabulous pizzas, pissaladiere, boreks, and lahm ajun (Armenian pizza). Skewered shrimp makes a great, simple summertime barbecue, the robust flavors of Tunisia's peppery harissa and cumin combine in an easy fish dish that's simply spectacular, and Tomato Soup Mediterranean Style is especially good when the nights turn chilly and there's a smoky hint of autumn in the air. The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook forever banishes the idea that healthy food has to be boring or tasteless. Instead there are tapas and mezedakia, the small dishes of the Mediterranean; richly flavorful combinations of fresh vegetables with small amounts of veal, lamb, and chicken; heavenly sweets for special occasions; and a special selection of incomparable traditional dishes prepared for Islamic, Jewish, and Christian holidays that can be enjoyed all year round. Rich in flavor and health-promoting antioxidants, but low in saturated fats and cholesterol, the Mediterranean diet has for centuries been one of the healthiest in the world.

Now all its wonderful benefits can come right from your home kitchen, with flavors that delight-and whose proven medical advantages may help protect you from the chronic diseases related to the American diet.